Oportunidade Pós Doutorado
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Molecular mechanisms shaping the germ-line transmission of a pathogenic mtDNA variant
Two postdoctoral positions to work in a BBSRC-FAPESP research project jointly developed by UFSCar-Brazil and the University of Cambridge-UK
Description
This call aims to recruit two postdoctoral fellows to work in a BBSRC-FAPESP funded research project jointly coordinated by Dr. Marcos R. Chiaratti, Dr. Patrick F. Chinnery and Dr. Michal Minczuk. The selected fellows will be based at the Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil. The aim of the project is to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms shaping the germ-line transmission of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants.
The selected candidates will engage in a multidisciplinary environment, undertaking scientific activities in the areas of mouse germ cell biology and mitochondrial genetics, having the opportunity to work in a dynamic and internationally recognized research group. Among other activities, candidates are expected to design and carry out research experiments including generation of genetically-modified mouse models using novel base editing technologies, isolation and in vitro culture of mouse germ cells, as well as cell and molecular biology analyses by confocal/super-resolution microscopy, PCR, qPCR, digital PCR, pyrosequencing and next generation sequencing.
Responsibilities
-Isolation of mouse primordial germ cells, oocytes from preantral and antral follicles, ovulated oocytes and preimplantation embryos;
-In vitro culture of mouse granulosa-oocyte complexes (GOCs), cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and preimplantation embryos;
-In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of mouse oocytes;
-Molecular cloning and in vitro transcription of plasmids for production of plasmids and mRNA;
-Microinjection of plasmids, mRNA and RNAi into mouse GOCs, COCs and pronuclear zygotes;
-Mouse maintenance, breeding and genotyping;
-Imaging of mouse cells by confocal/super-resolution microscopy;
-Molecular biology analyses of mouses cells by PCR, qPCR, digital PCR, pyrosequencing and next generation sequencing;
-Data analysis and organization for presentations and publications;
-Detailed record keeping of all laboratory activities.
Mandatory qualifications
-Ph.D. degree obtained no later than 7 years ago;
-Advanced English.
Desirable qualifications (not mandatory)
-Experience with isolation and in vitro culture of mouse germ cells;
-Experience with micromanipulation of oocytes and embryos;
-Experience with cell imaging by confocal/super-resolution microscopy;
-Experience with molecular techniques such as cloning, digital PCR, pyrosequencing and next generation sequencing;
-Experience with bioinformatics and statistics.
Application
Deadline: May 07th, 2024
Highly motivated individuals are encouraged to apply, especially candidates capable and independent to conquer challenges and seek novel discoveries. Although desirable qualifications are appreciated, they are not mandatory as the selected candidates will have the opportunity to be trained by our group in order to become skilled to perform the required experiments.
Interested candidates should send the documents listed below to lagenbio@ufscar.br, addressed to ‘Marcos R. Chiaratti’. Fill the subject field with: “Application PD position”. The ideal start date is June 01st, 2024, but later dates will be considered.
-Letter of interest describing the experience with the qualifications above (up to 3 pages);
-Up to date curriculum vitae;
-Links to profiles on scientific platforms: (i) Google Scholar; (ii) ResearchID; (iii) ORCID; (iv) Scopus; (v) CV Lattes (if you have one).
-At least one letter of recommendation.
Additional information
Each selected candidate will receive a FAPESP Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the amount of R$ 9,047.40 (BRL - Brazilian Real) per month (free of taxes), for 24 months (https://fapesp.br/en/postdoc). This scholarship also includes Research Contingency Funds equivalent to 15% of the annual value of the fellowship for use in activities strictly related to the fellowship research project, including costs for attending conferences. Costs of traveling and moving to the new workplace can also be covered by FAPESP. The fellowship can be extended for up to 48 months (total). Fellowship holders will be eligible to Research Internships Abroad (BEPE) for up to 12 months (https://fapesp.br/index.php/en/bepe). For more information see: https://fapesp.br/en/postdoc or e-mail lagenbio@ufscar.br.